The civil war inside music giant SonyBMG escalated as outgoing top deputy Michael Smellie told financial analysts he would consider staying in his post if there are changes to top management, The Post has learned.

A private discussion with one analyst from London-based financial firm Cazenove, a J.P. Morgan subsidiary – which had hosted a forum for Smellie with around 20 analysts – suggests the uncertainty swirling around SonyBMG CEO Andy Lack has escalated in the week since the spat burst into public view.

Smellie also said in the conversation that a multi-million dollar record deal for rock star Bruce Springsteen was a trigger to the corporate unrest at SonyBMG, and a key factor in German media giant Bertelsmann’s push to oust Lack, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The Post first reported on the Springsteen deal last week.

The record deal – which could be worth more than $100 million if certain targets are met – was made despite the objection of Bertelsmann executives.

However, a source said the board of SonyBMG ultimately approved the pact.

Smellie’s comments – essentially a dig at his boss to a financial analyst – were remarkable, given they were made while he remains the chief operating officer of SonyBMG.

Before the rift was exposed in the press about seven days ago, Smellie had announced he was stepping down from his post at the end of the year.

The rift does not appear related to Lack’s performance, but instead sources describe it as a clash of management styles.

One sticking point has been the COO position, and sources close to Lack believe the situation can be diffused if a Bertelsmann executive is named to replace Smellie.

However, sources close to Bertelsmann insist that is not enough, and that they will continue to push for Lack’s removal.